Tracey recognised with Bereavement Worker of the Year title

Tracey Harewood, from Birmingham Children’s Hospital, has been named ‘Bereavement Worker of the Year’ in awards that celebrates the survivors and champions of baby loss.

Tracey, part of a 10-strong dedicated Bereavement team at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, received a heartfelt nomination from one of the many mothers and families she has supported that go through the heartbreaking loss of a child.

The Butterfly Awards bring together parents, professionals and organisations every year to celebrate the survivors and champions of baby loss and bring awareness to bereavement through 12 different award categories. Winners were announced a ceremony held at the end of October.

Tracey, who has been part of the Children’s Hospital team for more than 20 years, said she was humbled to receive the recognition. She added:

“I was honoured to be nominated. I honestly didn’t think that I would win.

“It was a truly incredible event, so touching and emotional. You could feel sadness in the room but there was also a feeling of pride and hope.

“It certainly left its mark. We’ve taken so many strides in helping our families who suffer the loss of a child, but there’s still lots more we could be doing.

“I left the ceremony feeling more energised than ever before to do all I can to support parents that go through this painful experience and to further promote the importance of bereavement work and end the taboo around talking about death.”

“I was delighted to hear that everyone else thought as highly of Tracey as we do here. She’s a real superstar; always giving 100 per cent for our families. We constantly receive positive feedback from those she supports during the most difficult of times.

“Tracey truly epitomises the values we all strive to at our Trust. She’s compassionate, brave and ambitious in the sense that she wants to continually improve what we can offer to our families.

“We’re all very proud. Well done Tracey on your richly deserved award.”

As part of Tracey’s nomination a short video was produced with words from our mum that nominated her for the award. It perfectly sums up why she deserves the recognition and award.